I have such a cute project to share with you this week, friends! I am making a vintage book collage that is perfect for displaying heirlooms, family photos, and any other treasures you want!
When one of you finds a project you know I will love and shares it with me, I absolutely love it! I got the idea of making a vintage book collage from Kasey Van Dyke with DIY Everywhere. Thank you Cathy Miller for reaching out to me with her idea!
I was able to take a damaged old book that I had and give it new life. Now it is a beautiful decorative piece that can be used in many ways. Below I share the video tutorial, supply list, and step by step instructions so you can make your own fabulous vintage book collage!
Making a Vintage Book Collage
This vintage book collage combines so many of my favorite things! You know that I love using vintage books. And my favorite projects are the ones where I get to give wonderful vintage items center stage. A huge bonus to this craft is that it can also be really special and sentimental. Like I said, all of my favorite things!
When I went live on Facebook to share this fun project, you guys had some great ideas about how else we could use these book collages! It was suggested to use a cookbook and put grandma’s handwritten recipes in the folds. Use a church hymnal and put favorite song titles for a secret sister gift.
Some other ideas were grandma’s handwritings as a gift for your sister or mother. Or baby or graduation photos as a gift for a special occasion.
There are literally a million different ways that you can take this fabulous design. It can be customized to your own look and interests. And can be adapted to make very special gifts.
Book Collage Variations
You can use a book of any size, shape, and condition! Mine was a large hardback book in really rough shape. I used hot glue to reattach the cover and binding before I started making my collage. The large size of my book allowed me to add lots of fun vintage items.
But you could absolutely do this with a smaller book. It just depends on the space you are trying to fill and the books you find or have on hand.
You can also display your book in different ways. Either standing up, open flat, or propped up like mine is. I have my book collage propped against an old lamp with a greenery plop next to it. I love how greenery adds a pop of color and texture next to my neutral toned items. Who am I kidding? I love greenery everywhere!
Here’s a Tip…
When you watch the video below you will see that I found some fabulous illustrations in my book. Next time I do this I will be sure to look through the book first. That way I can carefully remove any pages that I love and want to feature in other projects.
Since you are only taking out a page here and there it won’t be noticeable that some are missing. And you will be able to see those beautiful pages in another project instead of them being hidden away in the book. Just an idea!
Vintage Book Collage Supply List
- Large hardcover book
- Glue gun
- Vintage papers
- Vintage key
- Burlap, lace, doilies, etc. (optional)
Step by Step Instructions
- The book that I used was in terrible shape so I started by using hot glue to reattach the binding of my book.
- Then I skipped in a few pages and grabbed a section of pages (it happened to be about 20 pages but the number doesn’t matter). Next, add a line of hot glue at the binding and then roll your pages back and tuck the edges into your glue line.
- Repeat the same process 4 more times working with one section at a time. The sections do not all need to be the same size.
- Now you can add in any vintage book and music pages, postcards, family photos etc. into the folds.
- You can add any fun bits of vintage items that you like. I used keys, buttons, and burlap on mine!
The Wrap Up…
I am so happy Cathy Miller shared Kasey Van Dyke’s idea with me! And I couldn’t wait to share my version with you. There is so much to love about this project. and so many ways that you can do it. Whether it’s a treasure for yourself of a fabulous gift for a friend, I hope you love them as much as I do! And if you make your own I would absolutely love to see them. Tag me on social media or sign up for texts with me so I can check them out!
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Tami’s cell phone number: 740-273-6693
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If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami Loves Creating Vintage Treasures. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!
Love this!